Abstract: Data is written into thin overcoated optical recording media in such a way that pit formation is accompanied by breaching of the overcoat at least temporarily so as to release gases/vapors produced during pit formation. Improved jitter and CNR is obtained.

Abstract: An optical recording element has a recording layer (18) protected by an overcoat layer (20) which is transmissive to laser radiation used for writing pits in the recording layer (18). The thickness of the overcoat layer (20) is selected to be less that the conventional 1/2 wavelength thickness and the recording layer thickness is selected, in conjunction with the overcoat layer thickness in such a way that the minimum value of reflectivity on the reflectivity-v-thickness curve is depressed.

Abstract: A thin film deposition process comprises the steps of providing a first target area on a magnetron electrode, sputtering particles from said area so that they fall onto a heated substrate body for forming the required deposit, simultaneously operating a sputtering gun such that further particles are dislodged from a second target area and directed towards the substrate, the two resulting particle plasmas mixing at the substrate surface such that a deposit of a predetermined chemical composition is produced.This allows a multicomponent material such as a PLZT ceramic to be deposited without a change in composition due to different volatilities etc. of the components.